I purchased a set of the SP-TFB-2 (
http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/item/SP-TFB-2) High Sensitivity on a whim, why not they were $60. I have an Edirol R-09 and thought I'd like to have a go at some binaural recordings.
WOW!
These mics are a perfect match for the R-09 (the internal R-09 mic power drives them no problems). They improve on the internal mics in every way, far far higher sensitivity (I've been using a setting of 4 to 8 on the high gain mode to record quiet sounds! It looks like I will get to use the low-gain setting for the first time ever), far lower noise, better frequency response, clarity and of course great stereo imaging (well it *is* binaural).
I record mostly quiet sources for ambience and sound FX in music/video production. My other field recording gear includes a Sound Devices MixPre and Rode NT55 stereo mics, so that is what I was comparing to...and for $69 I am astonished
the results are definitely professional quality. The added bonus is they are so stealthy that I will be able to record anywhere without attracting (much) attention.
Anyhow I am posting this for the record if someone is searching for a great portable, light-weight, stealthy, field-recording solution...here's one that's so cheap, I'd start here first as you have nothing to lose.
If you are recording concerts the low sensitivity models may be a safer bet and if your recorder does not supply 3V plugin power then you will probably also need their battery box.
The only downside is that they are very delicate and appear to have quite fine cabling, that is not going to withstand a lot of beating/tugging. Similarly the ear-clips (in ear) may not be able to fit everyone and take a bit of practice to insert without a mirror, however they are flexible rubber and you can purchase some foam wind protectors that help them fit larger ears. They do work well for my ears however.
EDIT: OK here is the only example I have at the moment - Walk into my garage, turn on some lights (it's night), open the electric roller-door, walk outside to pick up a paper off the driveway, Diesel Toyota 4WD Land cruiser passes, dog barking in the distance, turn around and start walking back.
GEAR: SP-TFB-2 in ears (no windscreens) connected to an Edirol R-09 (mic jack) on High Sensitivity, low-cut filter and ACG off, Record Level 6, Mic power on. Recorded at 24 bit 44.1 kHz converted to 190 kbps mp3.
http://www.digifishmusic.com/public/Binaural_Test_190kbps.mp3More later...when I stop gushing
it's just I don't buy audio gear that impresses me like this very often.
digifish.